Inspired by last year's Winter Olympics? Try out the slopes for yourself

WHAT do the names Benjamin Raich, Carlo Janka and Ted Ligety have in common? Apart from being big fans of luxury ski deals, they are some of the top ten ski racers from the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Held every four years, the Winter Olympics highlights some of the finest skiers in the world.

If you’re feeling inspired by the likes of these professionals, then pack your waterproofs and passport and head across Europe to try out the slopes for yourself. Whether you are a novice or an expert, a ski holiday is a fantastic way to do something a bit different and work out those thigh muscles in the process.

For many, investing in one of the many cheap ski deals currently on offer is a chance to try a sport they have never attempted before. Skiing for the first time can be both terrifying and exhilarating. The feel of the wind against your face is an amazing adrenaline rush, as is the inevitable soft tumble into the snow. Learning the basics of skiing is easier than people expect; the real skill involved is in polishing those skills to perfection.

This doesn’t mean that the first time you don a pair of skis you’ll instantly be the next Benjamin Raich but you may be surprised with how much you can pick up within a week. Like any sport the key is to be patient. You will have to join the beginners for a while on the nursery slopes before you head out to the steeper inclines and it will probably take you a couple of days to keep your balance and your skis firmly attached to your feet. Try not to let your falls and wobbles dent your confidence, everyone on the slopes has been in the same position as you at some point.

As soon as the nursery slopes start to look less daunting you are ready for some of the bigger slopes. Always make sure you ski with a companion and that you have a friend who knows where you are. Remember that the ‘no ski’ areas are there for a reason; no one wants to have to pay for a helicopter search party, as it can put a huge dent in the average holiday budget.

For expert skiers, the Winter Olympics certainly sparked a desire to get out onto the slopes. Whether you’re looking for Italy ski deals or hoping to explore Austria, or even somewhere much closer to home; in most cases any ski slope is better than no ski slope. If you are inspired by the Olympians, then have a go at setting a time on a particular run and challenge your friends to beat it. The winner has to buy a round of drinks at the nearest bar.

Some ski resorts offer competitions and races on certain days so keep an eye out for details in the nearest town or ask some of the ski resort staff for information. If you’re not a competitive skier and simply zigzagging down the slopes is enough, then load up your gear and take your time. Ski holidays are often the best for admiring the scenery and seeing parts of the world you wouldn’t normally come across.

If you are looking for something a little different, then skiers can often pick up the basics of snowboarding reasonably well; why not swap your skis for a board and give it a go?

Of course all good Olympians make sure that they work hard but play hard too! Ski resorts usually have a fantastic mix of activities to enjoy in the evenings. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy a hot soak in the Jacuzzi or a cool beer at the bottom of the slopes. Ski holidays needn’t be all about skiing!